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Joy-filled easter celebration at JOALI Maldives

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In celebration of the Easter weekend, JOALI Maldives has announced its jampacked schedule of activities between the 6th – 12th April 2023.

An ideal multi-generational family holiday destination, JOALI Maldives comprises 73 elegant and private beach and over-water villas and residences, all impeccably designed and able to cater for families of all sizes with 2, 3 and one 4-bedroom villa available.

Guests of all ages can discover endless opportunities for spectacular adventure, creativity, exhilaration and indulgence on “the Island of Joy”, with a specially curated week-long calendar to suit all interests.

Easter-themed Family Fun

Unique and Easter-inspired experiences will be available for children at the Muramas Kids Club, with parents welcome to join in the seasonal fun. To start the day on a sweet note, children can bake and decorate their own bunny-shaped cinnamon rolls before enjoying plenty of Easter-themed games; such as “hop and pop”, a bunny run, and of course island egg hunts. Arts and crafts will include egg painting, making toy bunnies out of socks, Easter wreath making using Maldivian flowers, Easter-themed face painting, cotton wall bunny crafting, and bunny mask painting.

Tailor-made Easter egg treasure hunts are available for the whole family to participate in throughout the Easter celebrations.

Culinary Creations

To help create an unforgettable holiday experience this Easter, JOALI Maldives will be hosting indulgent culinary feasts at Vandhoo and Bellini’s; Levant-inspired TUH’U restaurant; and at Saoke, with Executive Chef Yamamoto on island to host specially curated menus at the overwater Japanese restaurant. Easter Sunday will begin with an extravagant beachside brunch, followed by a sunset cocktail reception and evening feast for all.

Guests staying at JOALI Maldives over the Easter period can participate in gastronomic experiences with sushi-making classes at Saoke, Chef-led garden tours and salad making sessions, and evening mixology masterclasses. Children can also enjoy a Junior Teppanyaki experience at Saoke, as well as “Little Chef” cooking classes and junior juice mixology.

Art Workshops

Located within JOALI’s own Art Studio and led by the resort’s Resident Artist, Nataliya Kuleshova, this Easter guests can take part in private ceramic art classes; including ceramic painting, ceramic creation workshops, and ceramic glazing.

As the Maldives’ first and only immersive art resort, guests can use their own art-map to explore the island’s interactive art trail. From sculptures to paintings to tapestry to clothing pieces, created in collaboration with international artists and local artisans, JOALI’s art pieces aim to promote messaging around sustainability, nature and community to its guests.

Marine Life Magic

Throughout Easter, guests at JOALI Maldives can enjoy private speedboat trips for scuba-diving, Big Game fishing, sunset cruises, turtle snorkelling trips and dolphin quests.

Closer to shore, guests can enjoy jet ski rides, parasailing, glass-bottom kayaking, paddleboarding, semi-submarine tours, and sea-bob adventures. Budding Marine Biologists can join JOALI’s Marine Biology team for guided snorkelling and to help plant coral fragments onto the house reef’s growing coral nursery.

Dry on land, JOALI’s Resident Marine Biology team will be hosting regular educational talks on ocean conservation, aimed at both adults and children.

Active Adventure

Home to stellar court facilities, guests looking to participate in some festive team sports can join in on games of tennis and padel, as well as a competitive football championship cup. Master Sifu Aniket, a visiting Kung Fu Black Belt champion, will be on the island throughout Easter to offer guests of all ages and abilities both private and group classes in Kung Fu, martial arts, and kickboxing.

Mindfulness and Wellbeing

At JOALI’s ESPA Spa, guests can start the Easter celebrations with an awakening yoga flow, a family-beach yoga session, or Yin yoga at the spa’s scenic overwater yoga pavilion. Connecting with their inner selves, guests can end their day in pure relaxation with crystal bowl meditation and Full Moon bonfire meditation sessions at the spa’s beautiful beach area.

Imagi-Nature Art Festival – 14-18th April

For guests wishing to extend their stay beyond the Easter weekend, from the 14th to 18th April 2023, JOALI Maldives will host the Imagi-Nature Art Festival in collaboration with International Art Consultant, Tatiana Gecmen-Waldek. This innovative project, which harmoniously blends art and messaging of sustainability, offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in unique creative collaborations with celebrated artists from around the world. With the festival taking place over World Art Day on the 15th April, Tatiana has collaborated with JOALI to bring an extraordinary selection of contemporary art to the resort, in the form of exhibitions, artistic performances, and the unveiling of brand-new permanent installations.

Amid the abundant life between the palm trees and sparkling turquoise water sits JOALI Maldives, the very first art-immersive resort in the Maldives. Based on Raa Atoll, one of the largest and deepest atolls in the world, guests can expect brilliant blue waters, a myriad of sea life, and pristine white-sand beaches fringed by gently swaying coconut palms. Each of the 73 villas is the epitome of sustainable glamour and was inspired by individual stories and designed to take the guests on a rich sensory journey. Boasting a lavish range of culinary options, every dish at JOALI, tells a story and every plate becomes a journey, a journey of savours, fragrance, and joy – an art immersive experiential dining. Artisanal amenities, curated in-room bookshelves, thoughtful design and deluxe objects d’art creates an atmosphere of unconventional luxury on the island of joy. Central to the JOALI offering is its exceptional array of art and design which pervades all areas of the resort, while at its epicentre is the JOALI Art Studio & Gallery. A selection of international guest artists will exhibit installations to surprise and delight including London-based Glithero and New York-based Misha Kahn, often working with local artisans to intersect design and sculpture.

Rates: This Easter, JOALI Maldives has villas from $3,300 (approx. £2,780) per night based on two sharing a Beach Villa with Pool on a B&B basis. For further details and booking, please visit www.joali.com

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Soneva Fushi awarded SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality 2025

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Soneva Fushi, situated within the Maldives’ Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, has been named winner of the SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award as part of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025. The accolade is one of two special awards announced ahead of the official ceremony on 30 October. The award is based on votes from more than 800 members of the Academy, who were asked to identify the hotel where they experienced their single-best hospitality moment within the two-year voting period.

The award recognises the quality of service that ensures guests feel cared for throughout their stay. It celebrates the work of a property and its entire team, acknowledging excellence in areas ranging from reception and housekeeping to amenities and food and beverage services. Voters were asked to consider ambience, unique experiential elements, and the warmth of the hospitality on offer.

Soneva Fushi, the original Soneva resort and regarded as the model for barefoot luxury, is located on one of the Maldives’ largest and least developed islands. The resort comprises 71 private villas, either set amidst dense jungle or positioned above the ocean. Guests are invited to embrace a slower pace of life, with experiences ranging from deserted island picnics and wellness treatments at Soneva Soul to curated events under the Soneva Stars calendar.

Emma Sleight, Head of Content for The World’s 50 Best Hotels, said: “This award celebrates the foundation of hospitality and honours the emotional connection that guests have with a hotel and its team. For three decades, Soneva Fushi has been delivering memorable service at the highest level that puts the guest at the heart of every interaction. A mainstay of The World’s 50 Best Hotels list since the awards’ inception, Soneva Fushi is a worthy winner of the SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award, setting a benchmark of all-encompassing excellence one stay at a time.”

Each villa offers extensive indoor and outdoor living space, private pools and ocean views. A distinctive feature of the resort is its Barefoot Guardians – dedicated butlers assigned to each villa to provide personalised service. Available at all times, they arrange every aspect of the guest experience, from zipline adventures and snorkelling at Hanifaru Bay to stargazing at the observatory or dining in one of 14 restaurants. The Barefoot Guardians also manage the Soneva Stars calendar, which hosts international chefs, wellness specialists and sporting figures.

Antony Paton, General Manager of Soneva Fushi, said: “This award belongs to the entire team at Soneva Fushi. It is a reflection of our shared purpose to create moments of joy, connection and wonder every single day. Being recognised by The World’s 50 Best Hotels affirms that the quiet magic we strive for is not only felt by our guests, but remembered. And that, to us, is the greatest reward.”

Giancarlo Mancino, Chief Executive Officer of SeiBellissimi, added: “At Soneva Fushi, hospitality is a seamless extension of a lifestyle deeply rooted in sustainability, wellness and mindful luxury. Founded with a slow life philosophy, every experience here is a tribute to living in harmony with nature, honouring health-conscious principles, and crafting each moment with genuine care. This devotion to sustainable elegance and the art of well-being is the perfect mirror of SeiBellissimi’s own values: Italian craftsmanship, conviviality, and a respect for quality that goes beyond the ordinary.”

The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 ceremony will take place at Old Billingsgate in London on Thursday 30 October, where Soneva Fushi will formally receive the SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award.

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Awards

Minor Hotels celebrates multiple wins at TTM Awards 2025

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Minor Hotels, a global hospitality group operating nine resorts in the Maldives, has announced that three of its properties were recognised at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2025. The annual awards celebrate achievements across 28 categories, with winners selected through votes cast by guests and travel partners.

Niyama Private Islands Maldives received the award for Best Family Resort. The property is known for offering experiences for all ages, with facilities including a playground, splash park, and gourmet kitchen at its children’s club, alongside an extensive schedule of activities. Young guests are provided with age-appropriate experiences such as snorkelling safaris, cooking classes, surf lessons, and outdoor cinema evenings.

Accommodation includes a variety of spacious villas and pavilions, such as the newly renovated Deluxe Family Beach Pool Villa. Combined with diverse dining options, recreational activities, and personalised service, the resort seeks to provide both adventure and relaxation for families.

Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort was named Best Beach Resort, reflecting its setting of white sands, turquoise lagoons, and coconut groves within Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The resort offers contemporary villas, including Beach Pool Villas and Two-Bedroom Beach Pool Villas, with direct beach access.

Since opening in 2023, Avani+ Fares has aimed to introduce a laid-back approach to Maldivian holidays, combining modern design with the natural environment. Guests can participate in activities ranging from water sports and wellness to dining and cultural programmes.

NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort was awarded Best Dive Resort, recognised for its accessible house reef and marine biodiversity. Located close to the shoreline, the reef offers opportunities for snorkellers and divers of all levels, with frequent encounters with species such as reef sharks, turtles, rays, and tropical fish.

The resort also provides access to the dive sites of Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, where PADI-certified instructors guide guests through channels, thilas, and reef walls.

In addition to these three awards, Minor Hotels’ properties received 12 finalist nominations across seven categories. These included its newest addition, NH Maldives Kuda Rah Resort, which was shortlisted in three categories.

The group’s nominations at the TTM Awards 2025 were:

  • Best Beach Resort: Avani+ Fares and NH Collection Maldives Havodda
  • Best Family Resort: Niyama, Avani+ Fares, and NH Maldives Kuda Rah
  • Best Boutique Resort: NH Maldives Kuda Rah
  • Best Culinary Resort: Niyama
  • Most Picturesque Resort: NH Collection Maldives Havodda
  • Best Surf Resort: Niyama
  • Best Dive Resort: Avani+ Fares, NH Collection Maldives Havodda, and NH Maldives Kuda Rah
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Featured

Sirru Fen Fushi unveils ‘Symphony of the Island’ festive celebrations

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This festive season, Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort, located in Shaviyani Atoll, Maldives, will host an extensive programme of events under the theme Symphony of the Island. Running from 22 December to 7 January, the schedule brings together globally acclaimed performers and specialists, from award-winning musicians and Michelin-starred chefs to a World Cup football champion, wellness practitioners, mixologists, and even a NASA astronaut.

The resort’s New Year’s Eve celebrations will be headlined by Rami Jaffee, Grammy-winning keyboardist of the Foo Fighters, accompanied by violinist, cellist, and vocalist Jessy Greene (formerly Foo Fighters and Pink), and drummer and producer Erik Aldenius of Billy Idol. The All-Star Band will also feature Todd Morse, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter from The Offspring, and Bill Reynolds, Grammy-nominated bassist and producer, formerly of Band of Horses, creating a powerful line-up to welcome 2026.

Onu Onu Beach Bar will host award-winning bartenders throughout the festive period. On 30 December, Harrison Kenny, associated with the World’s 50 Best Bars, will present alongside Millie Tang, one of Australia’s leading bartenders. On 3 January, Pham Quoc Dat, Head Mixologist at The Haflington in Vietnam (Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024), will take over the bar with a signature showcase.

Culinary highlights include the arrival of Chef Valentino Cassanelli, Head Chef of Michelin-starred Lux Lucis in Italy, who will collaborate with the resort’s Executive Chef Girish Sharma on 8 and 10 December. Cassanelli will also host his own signature four-course dinner. On 3 January, Jean-Philippe Blondet, Chef Patron of Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, will present a four-hands dining experience at Azure alongside Chef Girish.

Sports and wellness sessions will be led by Christoph Kramer, Football World Cup Champion and television football expert, former professional tennis player and coach Alexandra Viktorovitch, Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncturist and trainer Josiah Ngai, and yoga instructor and sound healer Tamuna Lomidze. Guests will be able to book one-to-one sessions throughout the festive programme.

On 6 January, the resort will present a special performance by Daria Pavlenko, Principal Ballerina of the Mariinsky Ballet in St Petersburg.

NASA Astronaut and U.S. Navy officer Dominic Antoneli will share first-hand insights into life in space, recounting stories of exploration and discovery.

The season will begin on 22 December with the island illuminated by festive décor and Christmas Eve sunset drinks at Onu Onu Beach. On Christmas Day, celebrations will include a beach arrival by Santa in Maldivian style, followed by a festive brunch and a lobster and champagne dinner, with entertainment from fire dancers, magicians, and musicians.

The New Year’s programme begins with a sunset journey from Spa Beach to Central Park, before a gala dinner at RAHA Market. The evening will feature the All-Star Band, ballet performances, acrobats, and a fire and laser show, concluding with an after-party to welcome 2026. On 1 January, guests can enjoy a New Year’s brunch accompanied by live jazz and tropical rhythms.

Orthodox Christmas Eve on 6 January will include a gourmet buffet at RAHA Market, seafood dining at Azure, and a performance by ballerina Daria Pavlenko, followed by a beach party with international DJs. On 7 January, celebrations will conclude with a Cristal Champagne golden-hour sunset and beachside à la carte dining.

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